Aston Martin addresses the assertion of a £1 billion bid for Max Verstappen

Aston Martin speaks out following a significant allegation concerning Max Verstappen

Aston Martin has refuted claims that they are planning a £1 billion agreement to acquire four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.

According to information obtained by Crash.net, the Daily Mail's claim that Aston Martin is intensifying its attempts to recruit Red Bull's Verstappen is inaccurate.

Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have agreements with Aston Martin that extend through the conclusion of 2026.

The pair assisted Aston Martin in achieving consecutive fifth-place results in the Formula 1 constructors' championship.

Adrian Newey is expected to join the team later this year, while Andy Cowell has taken over as the new team principal, positioning the Silverstone team strongly for the future.

There has been a lot of discussion about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Aston Martin, especially after Newey was signed and Honda was announced as their engine supplier for 2026.

As per the report, Aston Martin was ready to assemble a deal valued at £1 billion, which would have set a new world record and included offering Verstappen a stake in the company.

Max Verstappen is signed with Red Bull through the conclusion of 2028.

Despite ongoing interest from Mercedes over the past year, his future has remained unclear.

The ongoing issues away from the racetrack surrounding Christian Horner, along with Red Bull's decline in performance, sparked widespread rumors regarding Verstappen's career prospects.

Verstappen has emphasized that he considers Red Bull to be like family to him, and he intends to stay committed to them.

Verstappen's top focus is having an F1 car capable of winning the championship.

What strategies might Aston Martin use to lure Verstappen to their team? Under the leadership of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin possesses the financial resources necessary to recruit any driver.

Their efforts to attract and eventually sign Adrian Newey have proven this point.

Adrian Newey, considered by many to be the best car designer in Formula 1 history, was named the managing technical partner for Aston Martin in September.

He will lead the design team at Aston Martin and, importantly, will also take on the role of a shareholder in the team.

Sky reports that Newey will receive a basic annual salary of £20 million from Aston Martin.

Max Verstappen has been the leading driver in Formula 1 for the last four years, and it appears that Aston Martin is ready to make a significant effort to secure him for their team.

According to the report, Aston Martin is reportedly prepared to propose a contract to Verstappen valued at £1 billion over the duration of his racing career, which may also include the option of acquiring shares in the company.

Even if Verstappen decides to end his F1 career within this decade, he is expected to stay active in the motorsport world. He has shown a desire to compete in the World Endurance Championship, which he might pursue with the British manufacturer.

Starting in 2026, Aston Martin will be using Honda engines. The Japanese company has previously achieved significant success with Verstappen while partnering with Red Bull.

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Nico Rosberg Weighs in on Potential Early Retirement for Max Verstappen from F1

Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen possibly ending his racing career before his current contract concludes in 2028.

According to Nico Rosberg, there is a chance that Max Verstappen might choose to retire from Formula 1 earlier than expected.

Last season, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship title and is under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of 2028.

Even with his achievements, the future of the 27-year-old Dutch driver has often been a subject of discussion, fueled by rumors that he might switch to a competing team like Mercedes or leave Formula 1 entirely.

In 2016, Rosberg revealed his unexpected retirement shortly after defeating his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to secure his inaugural world championship. He believes it wouldn't be shocking if Verstappen decided to end his career sooner than expected.

In an interview with the Italian media outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport, the German remarked, "There's a chance. Even though Max is still young, he has accomplished a great deal."

"The demanding nature of Formula 1 impacts you both mentally and physically. If he believes he has accomplished his goals and seeks new experiences, I would respect his decision."

Nico Rosberg, whose father Keke won the world championship for Finland in 1982, emphasized that he does not regret his choice to retire at the age of 31, which he announced merely five days following his own championship victory.

Rosberg emphasized that he has no regrets, stating that he achieved his dream of becoming a world champion and decided to retire while he was at the top of his career.

"Upon retiring, I had the opportunity to dedicate more time to my family and embark on a career in investing. I made the decision that I believed was best for myself."

Verstappen has often suggested that he doesn't plan to stay in Formula 1 indefinitely. He has expressed interest in competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race and exploring other sportscar racing series.

Max Verstappen shared with Dutch broadcaster Viaplay that his interests extend beyond just Formula 1. He expressed a desire to pursue various activities in the future and is already contemplating potential partners for these endeavors. However, he emphasized that he does not feel the need to make any immediate decisions regarding his future plans.

"I have several ambitions for life after Formula 1, such as participating in endurance racing and establishing my own team. There are numerous elements to consider in this process. Ultimately, a plan needs to be in place, and discussions are necessary to determine who will be part of this journey with me."

Several teams might be able to assist with this, including Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. The solution doesn't necessarily have to be tied to Formula 1. Red Bull is another potential option, as they engage in numerous activities outside of Formula 1. Ultimately, I'm considering all possibilities and will decide on what seems most beneficial.

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Nico Rosberg shares thoughts on Max Verstappen's potential early exit from F1

Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has offered his opinion on the possibility of Max Verstappen retiring before his current contract concludes in 2028.

Nico Rosberg thinks there's a chance that Max Verstappen might choose to step away from Formula 1 and retire sooner than expected.

Last season, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship title and is under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of 2028.

Even with all his achievements, the 27-year-old driver from the Netherlands has frequently been the center of discussions about his future, with rumors suggesting he might switch to a competing team like Mercedes, or leave Formula 1 entirely.

Nico Rosberg, who surprised the world by retiring shortly after securing his first world championship title in 2016 by defeating his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, believes it wouldn't be unexpected if Max Verstappen decided to end his racing career prematurely.

The German remarked to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, "It's conceivable." He noted that Max has accomplished a great deal even though he is still quite young.

"The demanding nature of Formula 1 impacts you deeply, affecting both your mind and body. If he believes he's accomplished his goals and seeks new experiences in life, I would comprehend his decision."

Rosberg, whose father Keke was the Finnish world champion in 1982, emphasized that he does not regret his choice to retire at 31, only five days following his championship victory.

"I don’t have any regrets," emphasized Rosberg. "Achieving my dream of becoming a world champion was something I accomplished, and I wanted to step away while I was at the top of my game."

"Stepping into retirement allowed me to dedicate more time to my family and embark on a new journey as an investor. I made choices that I believed were in my best interest."

Verstappen has often suggested that he doesn't plan to stay in Formula 1 indefinitely. He has expressed interest in competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours and exploring other sportscar racing opportunities.

Verstappen expressed to the Dutch broadcaster Viaplay that his ambitions extend beyond just Formula 1. He mentioned that he has plans for the future and is considering who the best partners might be to help him achieve those goals. However, he emphasized that he doesn't feel the need to make any immediate decisions regarding these plans.

"I have several ambitions following my career in Formula 1, including participating in endurance racing and starting my own team. There are many aspects to consider. Ultimately, a plan must be developed, and part of that involves deciding who I'll collaborate with. These are discussions I'm currently having."

Many teams could potentially assist with that, including Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. It doesn't necessarily have to involve Formula 1 directly. Red Bull is another option, as they are active in various areas beyond Formula 1. I'm considering all possibilities and will ultimately decide on what I believe is the best choice.

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An unexpected choice has been identified for losing their spot on the F1 team. A former world champion predicts that Yuki Tsunoda will be the initial driver to be affected in the 2026 F1 driver market.

According to Jacques Villeneuve, Yuki Tsunoda is expected to be the first Formula 1 driver to be replaced this year.

This forecast comes from the 1997 F1 world champion, who believes that the driver from Japan will exit the racing scene once his contract with Racing Bulls concludes at the season's end.

Yuki Tsunoda was passed over by Red Bull, who chose to promote his teammate Liam Lawson as the replacement for Sergio Perez in the main team for the next season. This decision came despite Lawson having only participated in 11 grand prix races across two seasons.

Following that decision, Tsunoda is set to enter his fifth season with Racing Bulls, the sister team of Red Bull.

"Tsunoda is expected to be the first driver to exit the racing lineup," Villeneuve mentioned to Action Network. "His position is primarily due to Honda's support."

"Eventually, this will come to an end. It's pretty evident that this is his final season with the Red Bull team."

"In my opinion, no team will be interested in him unless Honda is strongly advocating for it."

The agreement between Honda and Red Bull for engine supply is set to conclude by year’s end, as Red Bull plans to develop its own engines for the 2026 regulations. This development poses another challenge for Tsunoda.

Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team, has suggested that Tsunoda might depart from the Red Bull organization by the close of 2025.

Horner expressed that they fully understand the situation and questioned the logic of retaining Yuki at Red Bull if they cannot offer him a chance this year.

A driver shouldn't remain in a supporting role for five years. It's unfair for someone to always play second fiddle. At that stage, it's necessary to either release them or consider a new approach.

Carlos Sainz expected to be a ‘major revelation’

In other news, Villeneuve has expressed his confidence that Carlos Sainz will shine in his debut season with Williams.

Carlos Sainz signed a long-term contract with Williams, where he will team up with Alex Albon. This move came after Sainz had to leave his position at Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton's arrival.

Villeneuve expressed his interest in watching Sainz drive for Williams, noting that Sainz's initial tests were remarkable since the car performed better than it previously had. Villeneuve also mentioned that Sainz has a reputation for being a team builder at all his previous teams.

"Let's observe how this impacts a team that truly requires it. This development might lead to them becoming the most unexpected success story of the year."

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Which of these five former F1 drivers has the greatest likelihood of making a return? Lewis Larkam from Crash.net evaluates the potential for a comeback among five drivers who have been sidelined from Formula 1.

A number of drivers were removed from their F1 positions either during or at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The question remains: could any of them make a comeback to the racing lineup?

Although some individuals have accepted that their time in Formula 1 is likely finished, others remain hopeful about the possibility of making a full-time comeback in 2026.

Numerous positions are available as Formula 1 enters a new phase with updated rules, and this includes two new spots that will become available with the introduction of the sport's 11th team.

Which drivers have the best chance of making a return? We've evaluated the prospects of five drivers who have been sidelined…

Valtteri Bottas

Among the drivers who didn't secure a spot in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, Valtteri Bottas is in the best position to make a comeback to the racing circuit.

The 35-year-old Finnish driver has secured a position as a reserve driver for Mercedes. This means he will be ready to step in for George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli if either is unable to participate in a grand prix weekend at any point during the season.

Instead of merely hoping for a current driver's mistake this season, Bottas might find a new opportunity in Formula 1 with Cadillac, as the American team plans to enter the competition in 2026. Should Cadillac desire a seasoned driver for their lineup, Bottas, with his 10 grand prix victories, would be an excellent choice.

Having gained experience with three different teams and being a member of a championship-winning group during Mercedes' peak performance in Formula 1, Bottas has expressed his interest in the project.

Chances of coming back: 8 out of 10

Sergio Perez

Following his departure from Red Bull at the conclusion of 2024, Sergio Perez has revealed that he will be taking a break from racing for around six months as he evaluates his next steps.

In his initial public remarks following the loss of his position, Perez suggested that a "fascinating project" might lure him back to Formula 1. Is he possibly hinting at Cadillac?

Similar to Bottas, Perez offers Cadillac a seasoned driver who has secured multiple race victories and brings extensive insights from his experiences with various teams. This includes his involvement in consecutive constructors’ championship wins while at Red Bull.

At 34 years old, the Mexican driver would likely be a leading contender on Cadillac's list of potential candidates. Although Perez's standing took a significant hit during a disastrous 2024 season, where he was thoroughly outperformed by Max Verstappen, he still holds a reputation as a skilled Formula 1 driver.

In a more relaxed setting, Perez could potentially excel and regain the form that initially earned him a spot with Red Bull.

Probability of coming back: 7 out of 10

Zhou Guanyu, who was set to be Valtteri Bottas's teammate in 2024, will not retain his spot, as Sauber has decided to entirely revamp their lineup in preparation for their transition to Audi in 2026.

The Chinese driver, who was responsible for earning all four of Sauber's points last season with an eighth-place result in Qatar, expressed to Crash.net his ambition to make a comeback to the grid in 2026. Zhou has no intentions of competing in another series in 2025 and aims to obtain a reserve driver position, with the aspiration of securing a full-time seat for the following year.

Zhou's prospects are not very strong, but the two new positions at Cadillac provide new possibilities. He may have an advantage with the American team because his manager, Graeme Lowdon, has recently been named team principal.

Zhou’s association with Lowdon could slightly improve his prospects, although it's likely that Bottas, Perez, and possibly even Daniel Ricciardo (whom we'll discuss soon) might have a higher standing than him in the hierarchy.

Chance of coming back: 50%

Following a second dismissal from Haas after his return to the team for three years, it appears that Kevin Magnussen's career in Formula 1 has come to an end.

The Danish driver's background in competing with an American team throughout much of his Formula 1 career, along with his consistent ability to score points in the midfield, might make him an attractive prospect for Cadillac as they consider their options for 2026. However, apart from this possibility, it's challenging to determine where else he might find a spot.

Magnussen has confirmed his participation in a racing schedule for 2025, joining BMW's team of drivers for the World Endurance Championship. Additionally, he will compete in three events of the IMSA Sportscar Championship.

Magnussen has accepted his departure from Formula 1 and appreciates that not having to endure a demanding 24-race calendar means he can enjoy more valuable moments with his young family. It seems this goodbye might be final.

Chances of coming back: 4 out of 10

Daniel Ricciardo faced a harsh dismissal in the middle of the season following the Singapore Grand Prix. The way he was let go from Red Bull's affiliate team upset fans, who felt he deserved a more respectful farewell, given his impact on Formula 1.

According to ESPN, the 35-year-old Australian driver, whose name has been associated with Cadillac, is not interested in making a Formula 1 comeback with the team in 2026. This sentiment reflects Ricciardo’s own statements made in Singapore, where he suggested that his journey in the grand prix circuit might be concluding.

Following a tough last few years in Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo's standing in the sport has suffered significantly. Before making his most recent return, Ricciardo stated that he would only come back if he had the chance to drive for a leading team. However, it seems that chance has eluded him.

While it's always wise to avoid making absolute statements, it seems that Ricciardo's time in Formula 1 has come to an end.

Chance of coming back: 3 out of 10

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Mercedes has chosen a camouflage paint scheme for Kimi Antonelli's trial run in their quickest F1 vehicle to date. In anticipation of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli furthered his training by testing the 2020 Mercedes W11 model.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has participated in his inaugural Mercedes F1 test for the year, driving the car that Lewis Hamilton used to clinch the 2020 championship.

On Wednesday, Antonelli took to the track at Jerez for Mercedes, piloting the W11, a car often praised as the quickest in the history of Formula 1.

The W11, a car that helped Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas secure 13 victories and 15 pole positions in the pandemic-affected 2020 season, was tested by Antonelli while he geared up for his debut season in F1.

Mercedes implemented a significant modification to the vehicle for Antonelli's session at the Spanish track.

The W11 was seen in a camouflage design instead of the bold black color it wore in 2020.

This is probably because several sponsors from that season, including Tommy Hilfiger, are no longer associated with the team after Hamilton left.

Kimi is conducting a test drive with the camouflaged W11 at the Jerez circuit. 📸 via road_to_f1 pic.twitter.com/4b7oPzGIiP— Kimi Antonelli Updates 🇮🇹 (@AndreaKimiNews) January 15, 2025

Kimi is conducting a test drive with the camouflaged W11 at the Jerez circuit. 📸 via road_to_f1 pic.twitter.com/4b7oPzGIiP

Due to Mercedes' decision to reserve their Testing Previous Cars (TPC) mileage for a later date within the year, Antonelli was lucky enough to get the chance to drive the W11.

In 2025, there will be limitations on the amount of testing that teams are allowed to conduct using previous models of their

Formula 1 teams are given only 20 days annually for Testing and Practice Conduct (TPC), with current drivers restricted to a maximum of 1000 kilometers of driving.

Later this year, Antonelli is expected to have the chance to test drive a Mercedes from either the 2022 or 2023 models on a new track he hasn't experienced before in order to gain familiarity and speed.

According to the German publication AMuS, he has participated in a comprehensive testing schedule, accumulating 9,000 kilometers in preparation for his official full-time Formula 1 debut in March.

Is Mercedes Capable of Competing for the F1 Championship in 2025?

Since 2021, Mercedes has not been a serious contender for the championship, facing difficulties in adapting to the ground-effect era of Formula 1 vehicles.

Despite occasionally displaying bursts of speed, Mercedes has faced ongoing challenges with maintaining consistency all season long.

In 2024, Mercedes' performance was notable for its inconsistency, as the team sometimes had the speed to win races but at other times ranked as only the fourth-fastest.

George Russell delivered an outstanding performance this season, especially during the qualifying rounds.

In head-to-head qualifying, Russell outperformed Hamilton 19 times to 5, and his average qualifying results throughout the season were superior to those of both Ferrari drivers.

If Mercedes faces challenges at the beginning of 2025, they are expected to concentrate on the next year and the upcoming regulations.

Toto Wolff and James Allison have voiced their optimism about Mercedes' upcoming power unit for the next season. They acknowledged that the mood is reminiscent of 2014, which was the previous occasion when new engine regulations were implemented.

At the beginning of the V6 hybrid period, Mercedes led the pack, boasting the most advanced engine among all competitors.

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Title: WRT Didn't Select Kevin Magnussen for WEC Role Due to F1 Background

Content: Crash.net interviews Vincent Vosse, head of WRT, regarding former Formula 1 racer Kevin Magnussen's transition to the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

WRT's team leader, Vincent Vosse, stated that their decision to select Kevin Magnussen for the BMW Hypercar project wasn't based on his Formula 1 background. Vosse believes that Magnussen offers a new and invigorating perspective.

Following a decade-long career in Formula 1, Magnussen was left without a seat for the 2025 season. This came after Haas decided to update its team by bringing in Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

A former podium finisher in a grand prix event is set to transition to sportscar racing this year, joining the renowned team WRT for its BMW Hypercar initiative in the World Endurance Championship.

Kevin Magnussen is set to take the wheel of the BMW M Hybrid V8, marked with the number 15, joining teammates Raffaele Marciello and Dries Vanthoor.

The Danish driver is set to participate in the entire eight-race WEC season, which features the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the three key endurance races in the IMSA series. These include the 24 Hours of Daytona taking place in late January, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans.

In a one-on-one discussion with Crash, WRT team leader Vosse mentioned that he observed Magnussen remained highly competitive in Formula 1. However, it was not his experience in the highest level of single-seater racing that played a crucial role in his inclusion in the BMW program.

"We didn't select Kevin due to his Formula 1 background," he stated.

"We selected Kevin because we believe he is the ideal candidate. Additionally, he has a background in Formula 1."

"In his final season in Formula 1, he continued to show strong competitiveness."

"He has the potential to accomplish impressive outcomes, given that he has prior experience in racing sports cars."

"Having known Kevin for such a long time, we believe he is the perfect person to fill that position."

Certainly! Here's a rephrased version:

"As you can observe, we have decreased the number of drivers in the Hypercar category. This decision aims to provide each driver with more time on the track and enhance their familiarity with the vehicle. This change is part of our transition between championships, reflecting the advancements we've achieved."

"Having Kevin join our team injects new energy into both BMW and WRT, as well as into the WEC program."

"Naturally, his debut race will be at Daytona, followed by what seems to be his second race at the WEC event in Qatar."

In 2021, Magnussen secured a victory at the Detroit Sportscar Classic, competing in the IMSA series with Chip Ganassi Racing. Meanwhile, he finished in 17th place in the LMP2 category at the Le Mans race.

He is set to make his first appearance with WRT next weekend as the IMSA season kicks off at Daytona.

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Jacques Villeneuve predicts a surprising letdown as the biggest disappointment of 2025. "The disappointment will stem not from poor performance but from the outcomes not aligning with the expectations and hopes people have with Newey involved."

Jacques Villeneuve, who won the Formula 1 world championship in 1997, believes that even though Aston Martin has brought Adrian Newey on board, the team will end up being the "biggest letdown"

Over the past few years, Aston Martin has consistently achieved fifth-place finishes in the constructors' championship.

At the beginning of 2023, Fernando Alonso consistently secured spots on the podium, but the team has faced significant challenges following that period.

In the last two seasons, Aston Martin has struggled with improving their car's performance during the season.

This became evident in 2024 when their performance fell behind that of Alpine and Haas by the year's end.

The positive update for Aston Martin is that Adrian Newey is set to begin his role with them later this year.

In an interview with Action Network, Villeneuve discussed the reasons why Aston Martin is expected to face challenges in the upcoming season.

In my opinion, Aston Martin will likely be the team that doesn't meet expectations in 2025. This won't be due to poor performance on their part, but rather because the public anticipates victories owing to Adrian Newey's involvement. However, he hasn't been with the team long enough to make a significant impact, leading to unrealistic expectations from fans and observers.

"It will be disheartening, not due to poor outcomes, but because they won't align with the expectations and aspirations people have with Newey involved. It requires patience."

Is Aston Martin planning to abandon their efforts for 2025?

It's possible that Aston Martin might be among the first teams to withdraw their focus from 2025 early on.

As new regulations are set to be implemented next year, introducing completely new engines and significantly altered car designs, teams will need to distribute their focus and resources between the current and upcoming seasons.

Aston Martin is not expected to contend for the championship in 2025, but they are among the teams placing their aspirations on the upcoming season.

Newey is expected to play a significant role in designing their 2026 vehicle, which will be powered by a factory Honda engine.

Andy Cowell, who was previously known for his expertise with Mercedes engines, has taken on the role of team principal following a major re

Enrico Cardile, who used to work with Ferrari, is a member of the technical team.

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Law enforcement issues caution as excitement builds around Lewis Hamilton's upcoming Ferrari debut.

The excitement surrounding Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari has already reached a fever pitch before he even sets foot at the F1 team's headquarters.

Lewis Hamilton joining the Ferrari Formula 1 team is expected to create a stir in Maranello.

The seven-time world champion executed the most significant driver transfer in F1 history by transitioning from Mercedes to Ferrari during the off-season.

Hamilton is poised to start his time with Ferrari by heading to their Maranello headquarters next week, where he will make his first appearance on the track driving one of the team's previous models.

According to Italian journalist Roberto Chincero, there is already a surge of excitement in Italy, dubbed "Hamilton mania," as the anticipation builds for the 40-year-old British driver's visit. Chincero predicts that a significant police presence will be necessary to control the large crowds anticipated to flock to the streets close to Ferrari's headquarters.

"Hamilton fever has already begun in Italy," Chinchero mentioned during the James Allen on F1 podcast.

Since the start of the year, Italian fans of Ferrari have been eagerly trying to find out when Lewis Hamilton will have his first test drive in a Ferrari vehicle.

"I can't fathom how many individuals will be present at the track. I anticipate that the streets of Maranello and Fiorano will be packed with crowds."

"I anticipate an event unlike anything we've witnessed in several years. Consequently, the police force in Maranello will face a challenging task."

"I'm not shocked at all. The entire national press, including outlets beyond just sports journalism, is dedicating significant coverage to Lewis Hamilton as a person."

The general media is explaining who Lewis is, his enthusiasm and hobbies, the journey of his professional life, and his ambition to conclude his career by driving a Ferrari.

"All of Italy is set to come to a standstill." The major buzz leading into the upcoming season centers around Hamilton's high-profile transfer and how he will perform alongside his new partner, Charles Leclerc.

The possibility of Hamilton leading Ferrari to reclaim the F1 championship and surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles is generating excitement among fans and experts alike.

Emerson Fittipaldi, who has won the world championship twice, believes that Hamilton's debut year with Ferrari will be a major focus in Italian media.

"Ferrari is making a powerful return. Picture Lewis Hamilton racing for Ferrari. All of Italy would come to a standstill on Sunday to see Lewis behind the wheel of a Ferrari!" he shared on talkSPORT's On Track podcast.

"Lewis is motivated by the challenge of joining a new team, such as Ferrari. It's every driver's dream to race for Ferrari."

In this phase of his career, joining Ferrari with Frederic Vasseur, who previously led him as team principal in Formula 3 and Formula 2, marks a reunion. This will present a significant challenge for them.

"I am eager to watch the upcoming season, which promises to be thrilling for Lewis, as Formula 1 is becoming highly competitive."

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Did a behind-the-scenes video from Alpine accidentally unveil the 2025 F1 car design?

Was the 2025 F1 car design from Alpine unintentionally exposed?

A video shared on Flavio Briatore's Instagram seemed to reveal the design of Alpine's 2025 race car.

The video was shared on the Italian's Instagram story, but it can no longer be seen if you visit his profile.

Alpine's executive advisor, Briatore, attended a meeting with the marketing department.

Pictures of a Formula 1 vehicle featuring a design in blue and pink colors were distinctly visible on the table.

It is uncertain if this design is the 2025 Formula 1 car livery or just a conceptual design.

According to the visuals in the video, it appears to be a refreshing shift, especially since Alpine mainly used exposed carbon in 2024 to reduce weight.

We'll need to hold off until the middle of February and the start of the F1 season to verify if the leaked video is authentic.

Alpine's 2025 Car Design Revealed 🚨 The design for Alpine's 2025 season car is prominently displayed in a video from a team meeting shared by Flavio Briatore: #F1 pic.twitter.com/FPQPjzzBqY— sim (@sim3744) January 15, 2025

Alpine's 2025 Car Design Revealed 🚨 The design for Alpine's 2025 season car is prominently displayed in a video from a team meeting shared by Flavio Briatore: #F1 pic.twitter.com/FPQPjzzBqY

After coming back to Enstone earlier this year, Briatore has been actively involved with the team.

Although Oliver Oakes holds the position of team principal for Alpine's Formula 1 squad, it seems that Briatore is guiding the organization according to his own preferences.

In 2026, Alpine will no longer use their Renault factory engine and will instead operate as a customer team.

Briatore played a significant role in Esteban Ocon leaving early, which allowed Jack Doohan to make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the season.

He showed up just as Alpine's performance improved, ending the season on a high note by securing sixth place in the constructors' championship.

Uncertainty Surrounding Franco Colapinto

Alpine has expanded their roster of test and reserve drivers by including Franco Colapinto, who previously shone at Williams.

In 2024, Colapinto became a standout performer for the Grove team after taking over for Logan Sargeant halfway through the season.

The Argentine's performance was so remarkable that it caught the attention of Red Bull.

Colapinto has joined Alpine, anticipating a chance to secure a permanent position in the future.

This implies that Doohan is under significant pressure to deliver strong performances in the initial races of the season.

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Carlos Sainz begins the year 2025 by visiting the Williams F1 facility for the first time.

This marks Carlos Sainz's inaugural trip to the Williams factory…

Carlos Sainz made his initial trip to the Williams F1 factory at the start of 2025 as preparations for the upcoming season begin.

Carlos Sainz is set to join Williams for the next season, following Ferrari's decision to bring Lewis Hamilton on board.

The Spanish driver becomes a member of the British racing team following his most successful Formula 1 season yet.

Carlos Sainz secured two wins, but Ferrari fell just short of claiming the Formula 1 constructors' championship, ending the season 13 points behind McLaren.

Upon beginning his duties with the new team, Sainz made an appearance at the Grove factory.

On Wednesday, he shared a photo taken in front of the team's headquarters, accompanied by the caption: "First day at Grove!"

In an Instagram comment, fellow team member Alex Albon said, "Glad to have you at Grove, Carlos! Our coffee here is especially smooth."

Carlos Sainz is already leaving an impression on his new team by providing detailed feedback.

In a recent video shared on their social media platforms, Williams emphasized this point.

Sainz was giving in-depth observations after his first experience with the 2024 Williams car at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Is Williams Facing Another Difficult Year?

The year 2025 might present more hurdles for Williams, as they begin concentrating on the upcoming regulations set to take effect in a year.

In the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, Williams ended up in the ninth position, managing to place just above Sauber.

James Vowles, the head of Williams, has emphasized that his team is concentrating entirely on what lies ahead, even if it means potentially giving up their efforts in 2024 and 2025.

This suggests that Sainz's debut season with Williams might not be memorable.

Nonetheless, Sainz is eager to offer his expertise to Williams as the team works towards climbing the rankings and eventually competing for top-three finishes once more.

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Carlos Sainz cautions Lewis Hamilton that joining Ferrari comes with its challenges.

Carlos Sainz has issued a word of warning to Lewis Hamilton as he prepares for his first season with the Ferrari F1 team.

Carlos Sainz has cautioned Lewis Hamilton that he should not anticipate an entirely smooth and trouble-free experience at Ferrari as he prepares for his first Formula 1 season with the team.

Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, has made a sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari. He will team up with Charles Leclerc for the next season, marking one of the most talked-about and significant driver changes in the history of Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz, now with Williams following his departure to accommodate Lewis Hamilton's entry, emphasizes that while every Formula 1 driver dreams of being with Ferrari, the experience can be challenging.

During an appearance on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Sainz, who will soon be leaving, mentioned that they could have another podcast session in the future where he could elaborate on the challenges of being a Ferrari driver. However, he expressed that he preferred not to focus on that topic in the current interview.

"Being a Ferrari driver can be challenging at times, and I won't pretend that it's all smooth sailing and flawless."

Sainz mentioned that Hamilton should anticipate having "an exceptionally unique experience" upon becoming a member of F1's most renowned team.

"The Spaniard expressed that he prefers to concentrate on the positives, noting that each Grand Prix feels like a home race, which makes for a truly unique experience."

Even if I were to try to describe it to you right now, I doubt I could put it into words. I'm not very skilled at expressing myself or my emotions, but I can say that it's unlike anything I've ever experienced before, and I've cherished every moment of it.

"It's quite unique to realize that the entire crowd in the grandstand is essentially cheering for Ferrari and hoping for their success."

Hamilton's initial steps with Ferrari revealed

Next week, Hamilton is scheduled to travel to Ferrari's F1 base in Maranello to start integrating with the team.

A 40-year-old British individual is scheduled to have his initial simulator session on Monday, January 20. Later in the same week, he will make his first appearance on the track for the team, driving a Formula 1 car that is at least two years old, at their Fiorano testing facility.

Ferrari has scheduled a comprehensive testing program to assist Hamilton in quickly acclimating before the upcoming season. They intend to utilize a significant portion of their allotted Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) time for this purpose.

Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for a minimum of four days at the month's end to give Hamilton more time to practice with their previous F1 cars.

Hamilton is set to debut in public as a Ferrari driver with his new teammate Leclerc during Formula 1's exclusive season kickoff event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18.

The day after tomorrow, Ferrari is set to unveil their 2025 vehicle at an event in Maranello.

Ferrari plans to utilize one of their allowed 'filming days' to test their new Formula 1 vehicle at Fiorano following its unveiling on February 19. This event will mark the debut drive of the 2025 car for Hamilton and Leclerc.

Hamilton and Leclerc are set to participate in Ferrari's official pre-season testing in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26 to 28. The 2025 season will then begin with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, which will be Hamilton's first race with Ferrari.

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Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. As an on-site reporter, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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